The planetarium shows the summer night sky on the inner side of a dome. The dome of this planetarium has the diameter of 445 cm and is 170 cm high. It is located on a construction with climbing frames, so the total height of this exhibit is 340 cm. Position of the stars and their apparent size are defined by holes in the dome of different diameters allowing the sunlight to pass through. Holes are connected with lines that show characteristic constellations of the summer sky. The display on the dome is oriented towards the sides of the world so that the position of the North Star relative to the central point of the dome corresponds to the actual position of the Northern Star in the night sky. The position of the stars shown in the dome corresponds to their actual position as seen from 45° (which corresponds to the latitude of the city of Rijeka: 45°19’36”).
By using the sky map or a mobile app, it is possible to recognize stars and constellations characteristic for the summer sky and determine sides of the world according to the position of the Northern Star.
- Determine the position of the Northern Star with the help of constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (the Great Bear and the Little Bear).
- With the help of the Northern Star, determine sides of the world.
- Find and name three points of the summer triangle by using the sky map. What constellations do these stars belong to?
- Choose 5 stars on the dome and find their names on sky maps. Arrange them according to their star size (apparent magnitude).
- Find circumpolar constellations, that is, constellations that are visible throughout the year. Why isn’t it possible to see all constellations all the time?
